Parents and child caregivers can make sure car seats are properly installed in vehicles through this program.

Nationally-trained child passenger safety technicians will be available to educate caregivers on proper installation of child restraints and best practice guidelines. According to Safe Kids, a national organization promoting car seat safety, 95 percent of car seats are installed incorrectly.

Car seat checks are not scheduled in January and February due to the uncertainty of winter weather.

For more information, call the Children's Hospital of Illinois, 1-877-277-6543.

Those who cannot attend the monthly event can schedule an appointment for a car seat check by calling 309-698-4700 and asking for the assistant fire chief on duty. There is no charge for the appointment.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends keeping children rear-facing as long as possible up to the top height or weight allowed by their particular seats. Once a child outgrows the rear-facing-only “infant” car seat, he/she should travel in a rear-facing “convertible” or all-in-one car seat. Once a child outgrows the rear-facing size limits, the child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether. After outgrowing the forward-facing car seat with harness, the child should ride in a booster seat until he/she is the right size to use a seat belt safely.

Remember to register the car seat and booster seat with the car seat manufacturer so notification can be sent in the event of a recall. Parents and caregivers can view more information on car seat safety at www.nhtsa.gov/carseat.